Saturday Kitchen chef Matt Tebbutt has paid tribute to Dave Myers following his death aged 66.
It was announced on Thursday that the Hairy Bikers star had passed away the night before following a battle with cancer.
The chef appeared on the BBC show after he took a few years out following his diagnosis.
Talking to Alex Jones and Ronan Kemp on The One Show, Matt admitted that Dave was the perfect guest on the show and his positive attitude was infectious.
Matt said: ‘I’m sorry in such sad circumstances to join you but, yeah, it is nice to be talking about him.’
Saturday Kitchen chef Matt Tebbutt has paid tribute to Dave Myers following his death aged 66
It was announced on Thursday that the Hairy Bikers star had passed away the night before following a battle with cancer
Alex replied: When Dave first told us all he had this cancer diagnosis, he stepped away from work for a couple years and the first time we saw him back on tv was on Saturday Kitchen and what was incredible about Dave was his constant happy and positive attitude.’
Matt added: ‘Absolutely, do you know what, it is quite a gruelling start and for him to come on with such sort of positivity, he looked like he had been through the mill, lets not make no bones about it.
‘He looked like he was up against it, but the positivity he still gave off and that kind of lust for life was always infectious and always up for a laugh, always very generous with his time.
‘I mean he was the perfect guest, he really was.’
Ronan said: ‘Al mentioned it as well, that this brilliant duo he was a part of in terms of the hairy bikers, I mean Dave leaves behind a culinary legacy, what impact has he made in that world?’
Matt responded: ‘I mean you hit the nail on the head there, it was genuine friendship.
‘A lot of people on TV, as we know, are thrown together and have to come up with this chemistry, but those guys had their space and it was genuine and that is what is translated so well.
‘They did foods people want to eat, they made it relatable, they made it fun, and they loved what they did.
Talking to Alex Jones and Ronan Kemp on The One Show, Matt admitted that Dave was the perfect guest on the show and his positive attitude was infectious
He said: ‘They did foods people want to eat, they made it relatable, they made it fun, and they loved what they did’
‘And it was always infectious and given the number of shows they did throughout the years and the number of books that were sold is kind of testament to their legacy I think.’
When asked by Alex what his most lasting personal memory of the two of the two of them were, Mat said: ‘I mean he was very down to earth, he was genuinely a lovely guy, very funny, kind-hearted, very warm, engaging.
‘I mean there is not enough you can come out with and also, which is very rare thing, he was the same on screen as he was off screen and as we know in this industry, that was not always the case.
‘But Dave was very much like that and to have him around, it kind of made the world brighter and a personality like that, makes the days go quicker and you couldn’t say much more.’
Alex and Ronan went on to reveal that the show has received floods of messages since the tragic new as fans wrote to the shall recalling their most fond memories of the star on TV.
Dave died on Wednesday with his family and friends by his side, colleague and lifelong friend Si King revealed.
In his heart-wrenching statement Si said: ‘Hi everyone, I’m afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years.
‘Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home.
‘All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.
‘Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment.
‘My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime.
‘I wish you god’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.’
The beloved duo first met when they were both working in the film industry – Dave as a make-up artist and Si as a locations director – and bonded over their love of food and motorbikes.
Dave, who was best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers, passed away on Wednesday night with his TV partner Si King and his family by his side after a battle with cancer
Over their career the best friends built up a reputation as the friendly faces of TV cooking, with 31 separate projects since they first debuted on the BBC in 2006.
The statement continued: ‘I know Dave and his family would want me to thank all of you who sent messages of support in recent times.
‘It meant the world to him, his family and all The Hairy Bikers team. I am sending you all much love and gratitude for those simple acts of kindness, generosity and spirit. We are eternally grateful for them.
‘May I ask you all for one further kindness and allow Lili, his wife, his family, close friends and I some time and some peace to process our huge loss. I am sure I will see you all soon.’
